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Can brake hoses be cleaned
karmannghia60 - July 4th, 2004 at 09:36 PM

Everything is new on the 356 brakes except hoses. No pressure whatsoever at bleeding valves so I disconnected the hoses and oil poured out. Hoses are clogged big time. Can they be cleaned or shouldn't I bother?
Raf


MickH - July 4th, 2004 at 09:39 PM

They require replacement. The inner walls collapse. They are stuffed.:bounce


vw54 - July 4th, 2004 at 09:39 PM

You can clean the metal ones... use compressed air and a bit of wire.

The rubber ones usually collapse on the inside, so better off replacing them.


vw54 - July 4th, 2004 at 09:40 PM

forgot to say check the metal outers for corrosion... if found then replace as well.


seagull - July 4th, 2004 at 09:47 PM

I would hate you to crash this best to replace them with new ones


karmannghia60 - July 5th, 2004 at 06:20 PM

The local brakes place wanted to charge me $60ea to get them redone :repuke
Might try somewhere else I think


seagull - July 5th, 2004 at 08:36 PM

You can buy the tool for less than that


matara - July 5th, 2004 at 08:49 PM

Raf, You need 400mm hoses M-F for the front and 465mm M-F hoses for the rear. They are the similar to early beetle ones, but you need to make sure your lengths are correct. I think I ended up with the rears being the same as a T25 transporter front!

I have my old ones if you want to use them for measuring length/comparing etc.

Cheers

Steve


oval TOFU - July 5th, 2004 at 11:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by vw54
forgot to say check the metal outers for corrosion... if found then replace as well.


"outers"?

is this the solid lines you're talking about? or the metal ends?


vw54 - July 6th, 2004 at 08:10 AM

all the solid lines on the car
If theres corrosion on the outside then there proberly stuffed and need replacing,


PurpleT3 - July 6th, 2004 at 09:02 AM

The brake fluid is slowly absorbed into the rubber of the hoses causing it to swell and eventually block the hose. This is irreversible and aside from that, if the hoses are that old they are most likely fairly brittle and prone to cracking. Remove them from the car. If you cann't buy proper Porsche ones or find a good substitute, the only other option is to take your old hoses to a hose place and have them made.
The local ABS in Ferntree Gully made new hoses for my fasty for $35 each. Apart from brake places try industrial hose suppliers or someone like Pirtek.

While you're at it, have you considered braided stainless hoses? I think the teflon lining is alot more resistant to brake fluid than rubber, so they won't need replacing for a long time. Does any body know if these are legal in Vic.?


MikeM - July 6th, 2004 at 09:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by PurpleT3
While you're at it, have you considered braided stainless hoses? I think the teflon lining is alot more resistant to brake fluid than rubber, so they won't need replacing for a long time. Does any body know if these are legal in Vic.?


These are Illegal in every state and territory in Australia. These are unacceptable for use as the stainless braids fracture and puncture the Teflon liner. If DOT finds these on your car, your screwed.


karmannghia60 - July 6th, 2004 at 09:24 AM

I already had all the solid ones replaced before. The rubber ones looked ok but they are stuffed from the inside. Took them to another guy, he's charging $40ea. I am getting them done today


PurpleT3 - July 6th, 2004 at 09:38 AM

Cool KG60, $40ea sounds alot more reasonable.

Yeah Mike, I though this might be the case. I find it odd that the stainlees braids fracture? Does anyone have experience of this actually happening?
I think Aircooled.net or CIP has DOT approved braided hoses, although this approval doesn't apply to us. I would be more concerned about my insurance company finding them if I have an accident than Vicroads.


MikeM - July 6th, 2004 at 09:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by PurpleT3
I find it odd that the stainlees braids fracture?


Stainless steel actually work hardens. So over time as the stainless braids are continually contorted by the suspension movements they harden. Then the next big bump you hit the don't flex they fracture instead and the ends are very very sharp and they will puncture the liner.

Stainless lines are fine on a race car but the race teams replace them often (every race in V8 supercars) due to the issues with them fracturing.

Even in the US where they are legal the manufacturers recommend frequent replacement.

You'll get much more service from stock rubber lines.